Multiple seating assembly



C. EAMES MULTIPLE SEATING ASSEMBLY Nov. 12, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 3, 1956 INVENTOR. Char/e s E ames A r TOR/V5 Y B J 1. i uli Nov. 12, 1957 c. EAMES MULTIPLE SEATING ASSEMBLY 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 3, 1956 Z 4 Tm Y E R w. 0 s W A M a c 4 B a United States Patent MULTIPLE SEATING ASSEMBLY Application Ma s, 1956, Serial No. 582,427 11 Claims. 01. 155430 This invention relates to a multiple seating assembly particularly adapted for use in stadiums, convention halls, and other meeting places wherein orderlyrows of seats spaced one from the other are required.

Various types of seats have been utilized in meeting places of the type referred to above. Seating arrangements siutable for this use are the well known board type comprising a board supported horizontally on the floor or riser of the meeting place. Another conventional type is the slat chair, such as those found in ball parks. Chairs suitable for use in covered enclosures and buildings, are more elaborate, sometimes having cushioned seats and backs. The multiple seating assembly of this invention is adapted for any of these purposes.

The primary object of this invention is to provide a novel multiple seating assembly.

Another objectof this invention is to provide a novel type multiple seating assembly which can be easily installed and removed.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a multiple seatingassembly which is easily assembled and disassembled, thus facilitating easy interchangeability of parts when broken or otherwise.

A further object of this invention is to provide a multiple seating assembly that is rigid and strong but still comfortable and simple in construction.

Another object of this invention is to provide a multiple seating assembly constructed in modular units having seats arranged in rows, such units being adapted to be secured together to extend the row and also being adapted to be stacked one on another for storage purposes. A further object of thisinvention is to provide a bracket for use in supporting a plurality of shell-like seats along a single support bar, said seats being arranged in rows for use in meeting places such as auditoriums and stadiums.

Other objects of this invention Will become obvious upon reading the following specification in conjunction with the accompanied drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is an Oblique, elevational view of the multiple seating assembly.

Fig. 2 is an oblique bottom view of one of the chairs of the assembly, illustratingthe bracket for securing the seat toa single crossbar.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional, side elevational view of one of the brackets for supporting the seat.

Fig. 4 is a bottom View of one of the brackets for seats. i

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of one means forsupporting the seating assembly.

Fig. 6 is a partial front elevational view of the seating assembly of Fig. 5..

Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of another means for supporting the seating s embly. I I

Fig. 8 is a front elevational view of the asesmbly shown in Fig. 7. v v

Fig. 9 is a partial, oblique the view of a seating unit illustrating another arrangement for supporting the seating assembly. 4

Fig. 10 is a partially broken, elevational view of the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is an oblique view of a plurality of seating units as illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10, such units being shown stacked one on the other for storage purposes.

Briefly this invention is concerned with a multiple seating assembly having a single support bar and means for supporting the bar substantially parallel to a floor surface. The bar has a plurality of seats supported thereon by brackets. Each of the brackets has on its bottom surface an elongated socket having a cross-section substantially identical to alateral portion of the bar. The cross bar fits into this socket and means is provided for securing the bracket tothe bar in this position. The seats are spaced along the bar to provide a row of seats along it.

In a preferred form of this invention the bracket has a spider shape thuscomprising a central base with four arms extending outwardly therefrom. The seats are secured to the ends of the arms. The enlongated socket is located in the central base. In still other embodiments of this invention, the cross support bar is supported by two legs forming a triangle extending radially from the bar. These legs are adapted to fit on a corresponding leg whereby units of these seats can be stacked one on the other for storage purposes. In other forms of supporting the bar, a tubular member is secured to and depends from the cross bar. This tubular member fits over a stub extending from the surface on which the assembly is being supported. In still another form this tubular memher is secured to the side of a riser in stadiums and the like.

Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown the basic assembly including the cross bar 10, the cross bar support 20, the seat shell 40, and the brackets for securing the seat 40 to the cross bar 10.

The cross bar 10 in the embodiment shown is an ordinary galvanized pipe of suitable cross sectionwhich will withstand the load exerted thereon by the person sitting on the seats 40. I have found that a 2 /2 inch galvanized pipe serves the purpose satisfactorily. Cross bars of other shapes can be used in place of the galvanized pipe, although in the preferred form of this invention, the pipe is used because of its availability as a common article of manufacture. Other forms of cross bars are not necessarily hollow or cylindrical. Solid steel round stock or square and rectangular bar stock can be used. If other forms of cross bars are used, the socket of the bracket will be modified accordingly. The crossbar 10 can be a straight sectionor curved to conform with the desired shape of the seat rows. The cross-bars 10 have vertical holes 11 (Fig. 3) spacing along the bar for mounting seats 40 to the bar. These holes 11 determine the relative positions ofthe seats.

The seat shell 40 is a fiber reinforced synthetic resin, molded under heat and pressure to give the desired shape. Preferably the edges are additionally reinforced to prevent splitting. The resins most conventionally used are polyesters of various color pigmentation. Fiber glass is commonly used as the fibers. The shell 40 is shaped to conform to the body contour of an average person. The resin material is somewhat resilient making the chair comfortable because of the give in the shell itself.

The particular plastic or resin material from which the shell is made is relatively light. It is not readily subject to damage or breakage because of its resiliency. It has high impact and surface abrasion resistance. Changes in moisture content of the air will not effect it. .It is vermin proof and may be readily cleaned with soap and water or a damp cloth.

Circular or button shaped shock mounts 30 are adhesively secured to the bottom surface 41 of seat 40. The shock mounts 30 each has an internally threaded female insert (not shown) adapted to receive the screw 31 (Fig. 2). This shock mount can be of identical construction to that-described and claimed in Patent No. 2,647,136. As will be described hereinafter the shock mounts provide the means for securing the seat to the brackets 50.

The bracket 50 is spider shaped. It has a central base 51 having four arms 52 and 53 extending outwardly and upwardly therefrom. The arms 52 extend from the front 54 and the arms 53 extend from the rear 55. The central base 51 is somewhat trapezoidal inshape' having a top surface inclined downwardly from the front to the rear. The bottom surface of base 51 has a lateral arcuate groove forming a socket 56 for receiving the cross-bar 10. In the preferred form of this invention as illustrated in the drawings, the socket 56 is arcuate in shape and has a cross section substantially identical to arcuate portion of the cross-bar 10. Thus the bar fits tightly in the socket 56 (Fig. 3). The serrations 57 are preferably provided on the wall of the socket 51 for gripping the bar 10 to prevent the bracket from turning on the circular bar 10. As previously disclosed, the bar 10 can have a different configuration. If so, the socket 56 is modified accordingly so that it will conform with the upper portion of the bar 10. The central base 51 has a threaded tapped hole or aperture 58 extending vertically therethrough. This tapped hole is positioned for alignment with vertical holes 11 extending through cross-bars 10 (Fig. 3).

All of the arms extend upwardly from the top surface of the central base 51 so that when supporting the seat the central base is spaced from the bottom 41 of the seat. The arms 52 are longer than arms 53 and are inclined upwardly at a greater angle. The exact configuration, spacing, and shape of the arms 52 and 53 are made to conform with the shape of the bottom surface 41 of the seat 40 so that when the seat 40 is secured to the bracket and bracket 50 to cross-bar 10, the seat is upright. The arms 52 and 53 are reinforced by the reinforcement webs 59 which are integral with both the central base 51 and arms. The webs 59 taper from the bottom surface of the central base 51 to approximate the ends of the arms (Figs. 2 and 4). The arms 52 and 53 have apertures 61 on their ends for receiving the bolts 31 which secure, by means of the shock mounts 30, the seat 40 to the bracket 50.

The assembling of the shell seat 40, bracket 50, and the cross-bar 10 is simple. The bracket 50 is first secured to the bottom surface 41 of the shell 40. This is accomplished by aligning the apertures 61 with the female inserts (not shown) of the shock mounts 30. Then the screws of bolts 31 are inserted through the opening 61 and screwed into the female inserts. This rigidly secures the bracket to the bottom of seat 40.

Having secured the bracket 50 to the seat 40 the bracket is placed directly on the cross-bar 31 in such a manner that the socket 56 receives the cross-bar 10. The opening 58 in bracket 50 is aligned with a corresponding opening 11 in the cross-bar 10. In this position the seat 40 is appropriately situated upright so that one can sit comfortably in the seat. A bolt 12 is then inserted through the opening 11 (Fig. 3) and screwed into the tapped hole 58 rigidly securing the bracket tothe crossbar 10. The bolt 12 may extend through hole 58 and a nut threaded on its end. Assuming that a support member 20 is provided for supporting the cross bar 10, the seat is then adapted for use. This method of assembly is repeated for several chairs arranged along the cross-bar 10. In this assembly method the bracket can be secured to cross-bar 10 before attaching the shell 10. This choice depends upon the particular location and situation of the cross-bars.

The seating assembly described above is adapted for several forms of supporting structure. Fig. 5 shows one of these forms. Fig. 5 shows a stub 23 of a pipe or rod secured in a floor such as cement. The stub 23 extends a sufiicient distance above the floor 22 for adequately supporting the support post 20. In this particular modification support post 20 fits over or telescopes onto the stub 23. A pair of apertures are provided through the sides of support post 20 and stub 23. These apertures are spaced an equal distance on both the post 20 and stub 23 so that they can be aligned for receiving bolts 24. The bolts 24 rigidly connect the support post 20 to the stub 23. In this type construction it is preferable that the support posts 20 (Figs. 5 and 6) be secured to the crossbar 10, by welding or otherwise, at locations spaced every three seats. The particular spacing of the support post 20 depends upon the strength of the cross-bars 10 and accordingly such spacing can be changed to vary with the difierent cross-bars used.

The particular construction shown by Figs. 5 and 6 is especially adapted for inclined or sloping floors. In meeting places such as auditoriums or stadiums the stubs 23 are permanently secured in the floor in rows. If desirable the stubs can be removably secured in floor making the floor available for other uses. In either arrangement, the seats can be easily installed and removed.

Another form of supporting the seating assembly is shown in Figs. 7 and 8. This particular form is adapted for use in stadiums having stepped up platforms with risers extending vertically between the platforms. In this modification the support post 20 is secured to the risers 25 by lug bolts 26 extending through spaced holes in the post 20 and into the risers 25. This particular form is also adapted for quick installation and removal.

A further form of this invention is illustrated in Figs.

9, 10 and 11. In this form the seats are arranged in units adapted to be secured together in rows and also stacked one on another for storage purposes. The support structure 20a includes two legs 27 arranged at an angle to each other forming a V-shaped supporting structure. I The legs 27 are secured to the cross-bar 10 at the apex of the legs. The legs 27 are braced by a brace plate 28 secured to both of the legs in proximity to the apex. The top edge of the plate 28 has an arcuate cut out portion for receiving the cross-bar 10 of its unit. The bottom edge of the brace plate 28 has an arcuate cut out portion for receiving the cross-bar of. another unit underneath it. Preferably, the brace plate 28 extends a suflicient distance down the legs 29 so that when the brace rests on a crossbar of another unit it will vertically space the units preventing the understructure from engaging and marring the seats.

The legs 27 at their top ends are curved outwardly at 29 to conform with the shape of the cross-bar. The legs 27 and the plates are welded or secured by other suitable means to the cross-bar 10.

A standard unit consists of five, seats spaced along the horizontal cross-bar 10. Each unit has two pairs of legs supporting the cross-bar in proximity to the ends. The particular lateral spacing of the seat shells on the crossbars 10, are predetermined and indicated by the holes drilled in the cross-bar.

Fig. 9 shows the preferred method of securing two units together. In this preferred form, the cross-bars are galvanized pipe having openings at each end. A connector 71 is provided, such connector having at each end, plugs 72 of reduced diameter which fit into the piped cross-bars 10. Thus, in connecting two units together one plug on one end is inserted into the end of a cross-bar of one unit and the plug on the other end is inserted into a crossbar of another unit. A pin is provided for rigidly securing the connector plugs in the cross-bars of the two units.

When in use the seats can be arranged either in separate 'units or connected with several units arranged in an orderly row. The connection being accomplished by the connector 71 as described above. When not in use, the units n b .s o l stackias a 9 1 a the (F This is easily accomplished by fitting the arcuate cut-out portion 73 over the .cross-barof the unit underneath it. The seats and legs which are all located in the samerelative position, naturally fit one on each other as shown in Fig. 11. Several units can be stackedone on each other.

It should be evident with the above description that I have provided a simple but strong multiple seating assembly for use in meeting places such as auditoriums and stadiums. This seating assembly has many advantages over conventional type units because of its simplicity and structural characteristics. The entireassembly comprises four components, all of which can be easily replaced and interchanged with new and ditferent type components.

The seat is more comfortable than present day units utilized in most stadiums and auditoriums. The shell itself is resilient and that combined with the resiliency of the shock mounts 30 and the bracket 50 provides a seat that is comfortable as well as simple and strong. There are numerous other advantages, all of which are inherent in the structure.

It should be also understood that although I have described certain modifications and embodiments of this invention, other modifications and embodiments can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Therefore, unless expressly stated otherwise in the appended claims, all such modifications and embodiments are covered by the claims.

I claim:

1. A multiple seating assembly comprising: a single support bar having means for supporting it substantially parallel to a plane surface; a plurality of seats; a bracket for each of said seats; said seats being secured to the top of its bracket; each of said brackets having on its bottom an elongated socket having a cross-section substantially identical to a lateral portion of said bar; and means securing said brackets to said bar with said portion of said bar in each of said sockets whereby said seats are secured and arranged side by side in a row along said bar.

2. A multiple seating assembly comprising: a single support bar having means for supporting it substantially parallel to a plane surface; a plurality of seats; a spider shaped bracket for each of said seats, said bracket having a central base with arms extending outwardly therefrom; said seats being secured to said arms; each of said brackets having on the bottom surface of said base an elongated socket having a cross-section substantially identical to a lateral portion of said bar; and means securing said brackets to said bar with said portion of said bar in each of said sockets whereby said seats are secured and arranged side by side in a row along said bar.

3. A multiple seating assembly comprising: a single support bar having means for supporting it substantially parallel to a plane surface; a plurality of molded plastic shell seats; a spider shaped bracket for each of said seats, said bracket having a central base with arms extending outwardly and inwardly therefrom; said seats being secured at its bottom surface to said arms; each of said brackets having on the bottom surface of said base an elongated socket having a cross-section substantially identical to a lateral portion of said bar; and means securing said brackets to said bar with said portion of said bar in each of said sockets whereby said seats are secured and arranged side by side in a row along said bar.

4. A multiple seating assembly comprising: a single tubular pipe support having means for supporting it substantially parallel to a plane surface; a plurality of seats; a bracket for each of said seats; said seats being secured to the top of said bracket; each of said brackets having on its bottom an elongated arcuate socket having a cross-section describing an are substantially identical to an arc of said pipe; and means securing said brackets to said pipe with said portion of said pipe in each of said sockets where- 6 by said seats are secured'and arranged side by side in a row along said pipe.

'5. A multiple seating assembly comprising: a single tubular pipe support having means for supporting it substantiallyparalle l to a plane surface; a plurality of seats; a 'bracket'for each of saidseats; said seats being secured to the top of said bracket; each of said brackets having on its bottom an elongated arcuate socket having a crosssection describing an arc substantially identical to an arc of said pipe; and means securing said brackets to said pipe with said portion of said pipe in each of said sockets whereby said seats are secured and arranged side by side in a row along saidpipe; said socket fitted on said pipe with said seat extending upright; and a bolt extending through said base and transversely through said pipe securing said bracket to said pipe.

6. A bracket for securing a shell-like seat to a single of the cross-section of said cross-bar.

7. A bracket for securing a shell-like seat to a single tubular cross-bar comprising: a spider like member having a relatively thick central base; four horizontally flat arms extending radially outwardly and upwardly from a top portion of said base; reinforcement ribs extending from said base and normal to said arms, said ribs being integral with said base and said base having on its bottom an elongated arcuate socket; said socket having a cross-section substantially identical to a portion of the cross-section of said cross-bar.

8. A multiple seating assembly comprising: a single support bar having means for supporting it substantially parallel to a plane surface; a plurality of seats; a bracket for each of said seats; said seats being secured to the top of its bracket; each of said brackets having on its bottom an elongated socket having a cross-section substantially identical to a lateral portion of said bar; and means securing said brackets to said bar with said portion of said bar in each of said sockets whereby said seats are secured and arranged side by side in a row along said bar; said means for supporting said support bar comprising a plurality of pairs of V-shaped legs spaced along said bar and extending radially therefrom; each of said pairs of legs permitting corresponding pairs of legs on another unit to pass over it and rest on said cross-bar whereby said units can be stacked one on each other.

9. A multiple seating assembly comprising: a single support bar having means for supporting it substantially parallel to a plane surface; a plurality of seats; a bracket for each of said seats; said seats being secured to the top of its bracket; each of said brackets having on its bottom an elongated socket having a cross-section substantially identical to a lateral portion of said bar; and means securing said brackets to said bar with said portion of said bar in each of said sockets whereby said seats are secured and arranged side by side in a row along said bar; said means for supporting said support bar comprising a plurality of tubular pipes welded to said cross-bars and extending downwardly therefrom; said pipes being adapted to telescope onto and be secured to corresponding tubular members of smaller diameter than said pipes.

10. A multiple seating assembly comprising: a single support bar having means for supporting it substantially parallel to a plane surface; a plurality of seats; a bracket for each of said seats; said seats being secured to the top of its bracket; each of said brackets having on its bottom an elongated socket having a cross-section substantially identical to a lateral portion of said bar; and means securing said brackets to said bar with said portion of said bar in each of said sockets whereby said seats are secured and arranged side by side in a row along said bar;

said means for supporting said support bar comprising a plurality of tubular pipes secured to said cross-bars and extending downwardly therefrom; said pipes having lateral holes therethrough extending in a direction from the front to back of said seats whereby said seats are adapted to be secured to a riser by bolts extending through said holes and into said riser.

11. A multiple seating assembly comprising: a support bar having means for supporting it substantially parallel to a plane surface; a plurality of seats; a single bracket for each of said seats; each of said seats being secured to the top of its bracket; each of said brackets having at its bottom an elongated socket having across section substantially identical to a lateral portion of said bar; and means for securing said bracket to said bar with said portion of said bar in each of said sockets whereby said seats are secured to and arranged side by side in a row along said bar.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 652,886 Bruce July 3, 1900 1,956,502 Galatowitsch Apr. 24, 1934 1,996,074 La Salle Apr. 2, 1935 2,174,224 Geller Sept. 26, 1939 2,184,097 Grampp Dec. 19, 1939 2,244,650 Curran et a1. June' 3, 1941 2,738,831 Sage Mar. 20, 1956' FOREIGN PATENTS 416,263 France Aug. 2, 1910 

